A Better World. A Better You.

About a month ago, I came across a website called Paperback Swap. Being an avid reader—-and in line with my goal to be both financially and environmentally conscious, this site joined my arsenal of tools I use to enable myself to continue reading and learning about myself and the world around me. I also make it a rule to always borrow from the public library, rather than purchase, if possible. With technology today, most libraries have databases connecting them to numerous other libraries. If my local library doesn’t have something I’m looking for, there’s a decent chance another one does. In the majority of cases, I’ve been able to find what I’m looking for this way. When this failed, Paperback Swap stepped up to the plate. Not only can you find millions of books, but there are also CDs and DVDs available through the site.

Here’s how it works:

• Go to http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php
• Register for the site
• Look through your own collection of books for any you no longer want
• Post these books using their ISBN number and they will be added to your “bookshelf” —Once you post 10 books to swap, you receive 2 credits to use for swapping books you’d like to receive
• After these initial bonus credits, you can earn more when other users request your books (and you send them)
• You can search for books you want —there are over 5 million currently available!
• If there is one you can’t find—add it to your wishlist—once another user adds it you will be notified and asked if you want to receive it!
• Books you request are mailed to you for free! (The sender pays the shipping costs)
• When another person requests a book you’ve listed, you’ll be notified by email, asked to accept the request, then mail the book.

There’s tons more information on the website and it’s very user-friendly. I highly recommend it!

~Here’s to A Better World, A Better You